In the selfie video, which was posted onto Instagram on Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex was seen talking to her camera about a kind gesture she had organised for a teenager she met in Altadena, who along with her family had lost her home in the recent Californian wildfires.
Meghan said she was with Prince Harry when they met the girl, 15, and her mum, and found out that the teenager was devastated to have lost her Billie Eilish concert t-shirt. Meghan, 43, then set out on getting the girl a replacement, which with the help of friends, was sent by Billie Eilish herself.
While many fans have praised Meghan for her kind gesture, others have been quick to criticise the duchess, who herself has been living in America with Prince Harry and their two children for the past five years since quitting life as senior royals.
Although opinions on Meghan’s video remain divided, one royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has issued a brutal verdict on the video with a seven-word swipe.
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Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk that Meghan should remember that “charity is supposed to begin at home” – a swipe at the fact she is estranged from the majority of her family and no longer speaks to them.
The royal veteran said: “The Sussexes love projecting a charitable image. When they do charitable work that helps others, this is of course laudable.
“However, charity is supposed to begin at home. Except for Meghan’s mother and the York sisters, they are estranged from family and ruthlessly monetised their royal connections.”
Despite this view, Fitzwilliams acknowledged that the teenager who received the t-shirts from Billie Eilish – organised by Meghan – would be “thrilled” to receive such a gift.
Fitzwilliams also said that the criticism Meghan has been facing comes as the duchess made the choice to name drop celebrities while recalling the story of goodwill.
As well as mentioning Billie Eilish, Meghan also thanked Maroon 5 star Adam Levine and his wife for their help in ensuring the teenager had her beloved t-shirts replaced.
While some were impressed by the duchess’ celebrity contacts, some people online criticised Meghan’s choice to mention her A-list friends.
Fitzwilliams said: “Meghan’s message on Instagram about contacting Billie Eilish about the treasured T-shirt lost in the terrible Los Angeles fires will be attacked as it involves celebrity name dropping, which we know she likes.”
The duchess’ Instagram post is the first made by Meghan in a matter of weeks.
